Hargey continues engagement with the voluntary and community sector as cost of living crisis continues

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey today met with a range of groups and representatives from the voluntary and community sector as the cost of living crisis continues.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey is pictured with representatives from Community Intercultural Programme and the Scotch Street Youth and Community Centre on a visit to Portadown.

The Minister visited Armagh where she met a range of groups who sit on the Armagh Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership (NRP) followed by a visit to Portadown where she met with representatives from the Community Intercultural Programme and Scotch Street Youth & Community Centre.

The Minister heard about the important services they provide in the local community and how the cost of living crisis has affected their organisations and the communities they serve.

The Minister said:

“I really value the vital services and support these groups provide to so many and my Department is working to identify opportunities to provide additional support for groups, families and individuals to get through this difficult period.

“However, this remains a serious challenge in the coming months as we move into the autumn and winter months and in the absence of a functioning Executive and no budget in place.

“As I continue my engagement with groups from across the voluntary and community sector I continue to hear about the challenges they are faced with as a result of the on-going cost of living crisis and the negative impact this is having on the groups and communities they serve.

“I want to assure these groups I am listening to the concerns raised and I am committed to doing everything I can to support the delivery of vital services to those in need.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Photo caption - Image One – Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey is pictured on her visit to Armagh where she met with a range of community associations to hear about the important services they provide and how the cost of living crisis continues to impact on organisations and communities they serve

2. Photo caption – Image two – Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey is pictured with representatives from Community Intercultural Programme and the Scotch Street Youth and Community Centre on a visit to Portadown. The Minister heard about the important services they provide and how the continued cost of living crisis has impacted on their work.

3. The community associations represented on the Armagh NRP are:

• Callanbridge/Legar Hill Residents’ Association
• Callan St Community Association
• Drumarg Community Association
• Drumbeda Community Association
• Mullacreevie Development Association
• West Armagh Consortium
• St Patrick’s Park Residents’ Group

4. Community Intercultural Programme came into existence in Sept 2006 in response to the emerging needs of Ethnic Communities in the Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon area. They support people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, enabling them to fully integrate into and participate in an equitable society which represents difference and celebrates diversity.

5. Scotch Street Youth & Community Centre (SCYCC) was formed in 2008 to serve the emerging needs of children and young people from the Scotch Street area and beyond. SSYCC was set up to be, an inclusive club, welcoming all children, young people and community members, regardless of background, into their centre.

6. Media enquiries to DfC Press Office on 028 9082 3509 or email Press Office. 

7. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

8. Follow us on Twitter @CommunitiesNI

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